Mets to shutdown Johan Santana for the remainder of 2012

By Michael Baron | Aug 22, 2012 | 4:14PM

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According to MetsBlog's Vinny Cartiglia, Sandy Alderson said Johan Santana will not pitch again in 2012.

He had an MRI yesterday which showed inflammation in his lower back. While it does not need surgery, Santana will be placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to August 18th, and according to Alderson, "We do not expect him to pitch the rest of the season."

Alderson said he does not believe it is a disk issue, but the important thing is doctors "have indicated he does not need surgery."

In addition, Alderson stated:

Part of the six-man rotation discussion was due to keeping Johan fresh for the remainder of the season, but the back issue superseded all of that.

He has no second thoughts on the way the no-hitter was handled, stating "This is a back issue. ..I believe it would be very hard to trace it back to the no-hitter."

This is a lot of innings following a season of inactivity, besides rehab.

He does not believe fewer innings would have preserved Johan. "It's difficult to create a cause and effect based on how he was used. I don't think he was over used."

They do not believe it is serious. Doctors have indicated he needs rest. They are very confident he will be back next season.

Collin McHugh, who the Mets said will be part of the team's taxi squad tomorrow, will take Santana's spot in the rotation.

McHugh must be added to the 40-man roster before tomorrow's game - the 40-man roster currently stands at 39.

McHugh is 2-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts with Triple-A Buffalo. He is a combined 7-9 with a 2.88 ERA in 24 starts between Buffalo and Double-A Binghamton.

Santana allowed six runs in five innings to the Nationals last Friday night – since his no-hitter on June 1, Santana has gone 3-7 with a 8.27 ERA over ten starts, and averaged just under five innings per start over that span.

Santana finished his season with a 6-9 record and a 4.85 ERA in 117 innings over 21 starts this season – Santana lost his last five starts and has a 15.63 ERA in only 19 innings over that span.

The Mets have to find a way to maximize what they get out of Santana and the $31 million they have invested in him for next season – and running him out there when he is hurting is not be the best way to do that. No matter what, considering how things have gone for Santana over the last 2 1/2 months or so, there’s no question he's reached a low point and a crossroad of sorts in his career. Next season, he will have to make some key adjustments in order to be an effective and healthy Major League pitcher.

New York Mets' Michael Conforto (30) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Frank Franklin II/AP)

MLB commiossioner Rob Manfred will be taking five immediate actions after a study revealed that the baseballs have gotten more aerodynamic during the current home run surge.

There were an all-time high 6,105 home runs hit during the 2017 season, up from 5,610 in 2016 and 4,909 in 2015.

The study, which was conducted by a committee of scientists on the increases of the home run rate since 2015, was assembled by Manfred in August of 2017 and included chairman Alan Nathan, the Professor of Physics Emeritus at the University of Illinois, and nine other experts...

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Kevin Plawecki homered during first rehab game

2:00PM

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Apr 11, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets catcher Kevin Plawecki (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning during a MLB game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports (Steve Mitchell)

Kevin Plawecki started at catcher and went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer Wednesday night as he begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas.

Plawecki has been out since April 11 due to a hairline fracture in his left hand. Grip strength in Plawecki's left hand doubled earlier this month, and he began a hitting progression shortly after.

Without Plawecki and Travis d'Arnaud (who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery), the Mets have been using a combination of Devin Mesoraco and Tomas Nido behind the plate recently.

Yoenis Cespedes (hip) and Todd Frazier (hamstring) are both eligible to return from their respective 10-day DL stints, but neither is expected to return within the next few days. Cespedes has been out since May 14, with Frazier out since May 8.

Cespedes and Frazier accompanied the Mets on their road trip that begins Thursday night against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

"They're in the same spot,'' Mickey Callaway said on Wednesday. "They're day-to-day. They're gonna come on the road trip with us just so our guys can continue to get their hands on them."

Things you should know about tonight's game...

1) Familia (2-2)allowed four hits and two runs in the ninth inning to blow his fourth save in 17 opportunities. JT Realmuto tied the game with a single, but Michael Conforto temporarily kept it that way by throwing out Derek Dietrich at the plate for the second out. Following an intentional walk to Justin Bour, Starlin Castro singled to bring in Realmuto with the tie-breaking run.

DeGrom now has best ERA in NL after seven dominant innings Wednesday

May 23 | 9:15PM

May 23, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Mets RHP Jacob deGrom had yet another brilliant performance in his start against the Marlins on Wednesday night.

Just days after tossing a 13-strikeout game against the Diamondbacks, deGrom cruised through the Marlins lineup. It wasn't the start deGrom wanted when he plunked Derek Dietrich to lead off the game. But he would get three straight outs to complete the first.

The second innings saw more of the same, with a walk to Miguel Rojas being the only baserunner. The Marlins finally struck for their first hit in the fourth when Justin Bour placed a bunt into the hole left by third base on a shift...

Game 45: Mets vs. Marlins, 7:10 p.m.

May 18, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an rbi single during the first inning of the game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports (Gregory Fisher)

The Mets (24-20) wrap up their three-game series against the Marlins (18-30) on Wednesday night at Citi Field at 7:10.

Mets notes...

The Mets are 5-2 on their current homestand, which concludes tonight. ... The Mets are 4-1 against the Marlins this season, posting a 2.20 ERA in 45.0 innings against them. ... Mets pitching has struck out nine or more batters in seven straight games -- tied for the longest streak in franchise history. ... The Mets have 14 come-from-behind wins this season -- the third most in the majors.

Shea Anything: Should Jose Reyes be DFA'd?

May 23 | 4:30PM

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May 20, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pinch hitter Asdrubal Cabrera (13) reacts with shortstop Jose Reyes (7) after hitting the game winning two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports (Andy Marlin)

On the latest episode of Shea Anything, Doug Williams and Andy Martino discuss the sad state of affairs surrounding Jose Reyes, the Jose Bautista signing, and the importance of getting quality starts from the likes of Zack Wheeler and Jason Vargas.

Plus, Doug and Andy want to hear from you! Go to SNY.tv/SheaAnything and upload a video or audio clip of your take on the Mets. Keep it to 30 seconds or less, make it good, and you may be on the show!

Did Mets bet on pitching as new offensive emphasis began?

Michael Conforto celebrates with Wilmer Flores and Brandon Nimmo after the Mets beat the D-backs in walk-off fashion at Citi Field on Saturday. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

The Mets may have young pitching to gamble on, but it's become painfully obvious that they're significantly lacking in young hitters. What's worse, the young hitters they do have in Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo,and Amed Rosario are not yet consistently living up to their potential.

As a result, and because the team is without Yoenis Cespedes, Todd Frazier, and Juan Lagares -- the Mets signed free-agent OF-3B Jose Bautista on Tuesday.

To the tune of no more than $545,000, the Mets can simply release Bautista if he is unproductive. Thankfully, they pay the same price if he exceeds expectations and discovers the Fountain of Youth. Therefore, the decision to sign Bautista, start him in left field and have him bat fifth was a no brainer given their available internal options....

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Steve Gelbs and Dave Lennon answered questions from the Citi Pavilion

May 23 | 2:39PM

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SNY's Steve Gelbs and David Lennon of Newsday were live from the Citi Pavilion today providing the latest updates on the Mets and answering questions from fans.

Jose Reyes not in imminent danger of DFA

Marc Malusis and Jon Hein discuss the Mets' slumping offense and whether veteran infielder Jose Reyes is in serious danger of being DFA'd.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter | Word this afternoon is that Jose Reyes' roster spot remains safe, at least over the next several days. The Mets do not plan to cut him as a reaction to last night's two error performance.

That equation could change before long, though -- especially when Todd Frazier returns from the disabled list. At that point, the team could buy time on a Reyes decision by optioning Luis Guillorme or a reliever. Or they could decide that Reyes' long Mets career is over.

Reading between the lines, if Reyes doesn't show value soon, the end could be drawing near. It just won't come today.

This is how Zack Wheeler was so effective Tuesday night

Tuesday was an important night for Zack Wheeler, who I hope understands how and why he was so effective after a difficult first inning. Instead of just pounding the bottom of the strike zone, Wheeler was wild, but effective.

It all changed for Wheeler in the second inning, down three runs with two outs and runners on second and third base. If Marlins 1B Justin Bour gets the fifth hit of the inning, the game is blown wide open, Wheeler is demoralized and out of the game sooner than later, the Mets easily lose and the bullpen gets taxed again.

However, after a quick mound visit from Tomas Nido and Dave Eiland, and with a 2-2 count, Wheeler set up Bour with an unhittable 97-mph fastball inside. Then, with what was his most important pitch of the night, Wheeler dropped a perfectly-placed 91-mph splitter down and inside for a swing-and-miss strikeout to end the inning.

Reyes' inexcusable error marred Wheeler's strong start

May 22, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

Mets RHP Zack Wheeler allowed three runs on seven hits in six innings against the Marlins on Tuesday night, and was done in by an inexcusable error by Jose Reyes in the second inning.

With runners on first and second and one out in the second, pitcher Caleb Smith bunted toward Reyes at third base while attempting to move the runners over. Reyes fielded the ball and would have had the runner out by 20 feet at second base, but didn't throw there. Instead, he hesitated before throwing wild to first base -- allowing Smith to reach.

After Wheeler got Martin Prado to pop out for the second out of the inning, J.T. Realmuto's two-run single made it 3-0, Marlins, with both runs unearned due to Reyes' gaffe...

Things you should know about tonight's game...

1) Zack Wheeler overcame a shaky second inning to turn in a solid start for New York, scattering seven hits and allowing three runs -- one earned -- on 106 pitches in six innings. He retired 13-of-his-last-15 batters and matched his season high with nine strikeouts while issuing no walks for the first time in eight starts.

The JoseBautista signing is not a big enough deal to get worked up about, but that's the best thing I can think to say about it.

Okay, that's not totally fair. The move makes logical sense, in that Bautista is a righthanded hitter, and the Mets need outfielders.

The only problem is that, in the eyes of multiple talent evaluators, Bautista does not seem to have much left. He was 5 for 35 in a brief stint with Atlanta this year, and posted a .674 OPS in 157 games in 2017. There is little indication that, at 37, he can still be productive.

Moments after the Mets signed Jose Bautista on Tuesday, general manager Sandy Alderson touted the veteran outfielder's ability to hit left-handed pitchers.

"We had been looking at the possibility of a right-handed bat in the outfield that could spell our other outfielders and give us some offensive potential against a left-handed pitcher," Alderson said. "Given the way that we expect he will be used initially, that fit pretty well with what we need."

Bautista has three hits -- including two home runs -- in 16 at-bats against left-handed pitching this season. In his career, Bautista has hit .257 with 82 home runs and 203 RBI against left-handers.

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Mets agree to one-year, major league deal with Jose Bautista

May 22 | 5:47PM

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BNNY: Bautista joins the Mets00:06:25

The BNNY panel discusses Jose Bautista signing with the Mets, and whether he is a good fit for the team this season.

The Mets have agreed to a one-year major league deal with INF/OF Jose Bautista, who was released by the Atlanta Braves this past weekend, the Mets announced Tuesday. Bautista will be available for Tuesday night's game, with Phillip Evans optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room on the roster.

SNY's Andy Martino had reported a deal was close.

Bautista, who was just 5-for-35 (.143) with two home runs after joining Atlanta's big-league roster on May 5, had agreed to a minor league deal in April.

Game 44: Mets vs. Marlins, 7:10 p.m. on SNY

New York Mets shortstop Amed Rosario is congratulated by left fielder Brandon Nimmo after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the sixth inning. (Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports)

The Mets (24-19) continue their three-game series against the Marlins (17-30) on Tuesday night at Citi Field at 7:10.

As Michael Conforto has heated up, so have the Mets

May 18, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an rbi single during the first inning of the game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports (Gregory Fisher)

Michelle Ioannou, MetsBlog | Twitter | When the Mets opened their series in Philadelphia on May 11, Ron Darling and Gary Cohen spoke on SNY about how if Michael Conforto is hot, the Mets will be hot. In case you don't remember, this was the game where the Mets were losing to the Phillies, 1-0, going into the ninth. Conforto hit a bomb that just missed and landed foul. He then compensated for this by hitting a two-run home run, putting the Mets in front. He sparked a rally, with Devin Mesoraco knocking it out of the park right after him for his first homer after becoming a Met. The Mets, who were reeling at the time, desperately needed that come-from-behind win.

And Conforto needed that big hit, too, as he had hit a slump towards the end of April and beginning of May, to the point where he was kept out of the lineup twice in order to have mental health days off. That is not the Conforto any of us know, or ever want to see. Shortly before the Phillies series -- upon returning from being benched for two days, Conforto led off a Monday game against the Reds, going 2-for-5 with a solo home run, helping his team finally win a game. Not a bad way to break a slump, right?

Since then, Conforto has continued to heat up. Over his last 10 games, Conforto is hitting .333/.366/.590 with 13 hits -- including three home runs -- and seven RBI. To put things into perspective, from April 13 - May 6, Conforto was just 8-for-58, hitting .138. He's improved in a drastic, much-needed way.

The Mets traded for Mike Piazza 20 years ago today

Danny Abriano, SNY.tv | Twitter | 20 years ago today, the Mets made one of the biggest moves in franchise history, acquiring Mike Piazza from the Marlins for Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall, and Geoff Goetz.

I was a 14-year-old listening to Mike and the Mad Dog on WFAN when I heard the news, and ran back and forth in my house in excitement. It was the biggest moment I had experienced up to that point as a Mets fan, and I -- along with thousands of others -- rushed out to Shea Stadium the next day to see Piazza make his Mets debut against the Brewers.

Piazza -- a 29-year-old superstar in his prime -- instantly turned the Mets from a nice little team into a legitimate contender. And for the first time since Darryl Strawberry departed following the 1990 season, the Mets had a hitter whose every at-bat was a must-see event. Piazza shined in his Mets debut, but his first huge Mets moment arguably came at the Astrodome on Sept. 16, when his laser of a three-run homer off Billy Wagner in the top of the ninth inning erased a 2-0 deficit. Watch his debut and the huge homer in Houston below...

Devin Mesoraco not in lineup, but available Tuesday night

May 22 | 1:50PM

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May 15, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets catcher Devin Mesoraco (29) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Toronto Blue Jays on a single by shortstop Amed Rosario (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Devin Mesoraco (elbow) is not in the Mets' lineup against the Marlins on Tuesday night, but is available off the bench.

X-rays on Mets Mesoraco's left elbow came back negative Monday night after he suffered a contusion on a backswing in the Mets' 2-0 win Marlins.

Mesoraco suffered the injury midway through the game, but stayed in. He said after the game that he felt no pain and that he would be fine.

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Swarzak continuing to progress, threw bullpen session Tuesday

May 22 | 1:45PM

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New York Mets pitcher Anthony Swarzak throws during the third inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson/AP)

Mets RH reliever Anthony Swarzak (left oblique strain) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Port St. Lucie as he continues to work his way back.

The earliest he can return is May 31.

"He's progressing nicely," manager Mickey Callaway said last week. "We're hoping to get him in games and get him going so he can get back here and help us."

Callaway says Gsellman embraced bullpen role immediately

May 2, 2018; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Robert Gsellman (65) reacts after allowing four runs during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Robert Gsellman has been one of the Mets' most valuable weapons in the bullpen this season, and manager Mickey Callaway believes a lot of that has to do with Gsellman's attitude and desire to learn.

"When I told him and we relayed the message to him that he was gonna be going to the pen, he embraced it from day one," Callaway told SNY's Steve Gelbs prior to Monday night's win over the Marlins at Citi Field. "And you have to do that to have success. And I think that's why he's having success."

The 24-year-old Gsellman -- like Seth Lugo -- is adjusting to his full-time bullpen role on the fly. And while he is excelling -- with a 2.76 ERA and 1.19 WHIP to go along with 28 strikeouts in 29.1 innings (21 appearances), Gsellman is still learning...

Vargas throws five scoreless innings for first win with Mets

May 21 | 11:03PM

Andy Martino joins GEICO SportsNite to discuss Jason Vargas' start and what to expect from him and the rest of the Mets moving forward.

Mets LHP Jason Vargas struck out seven batters in five scoreless innings to earn his first victory of the year in Monday's 2-0 win over the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.

Vargas (1-3) lowered his season ERA by nearly four runs. He entered the game 0-3 with a 13.86 ERA and a 2.68 WHIP, having allowed 19 runs, 26 hits and seven walks in 12 1/3 innings. He hadn't pitched since May 8, the Mets skipping his last turn in the rotation.

But Monday, he threw five complete innings for the first time this year, lowering his ERA down to 9.87.

"The biggest difference wasn't giving up multiple runs each inning," Vargas said, "just making quality pitches and getting some swings and misses ... It was a good night, definitely had a good rhythm going, had good control with the hitters."

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Mesoraco suffers left elbow contusion; X-rays negative

May 21 | 10:29PM

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New York Mets catcher Devin Mesoraco runs towards home plate after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. (Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports)

X-rays on Mets catcher Devin Mesoraco's left elbow came back negative after he suffered a contusion on a backswing in Monday's 2-0 win over the Miami Marlins.

Mesoraco suffered the injury midway through the game on a backswing, however he stayed in the game. He said he felt no pain.

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Vargas shines as Mets notch second shutout of season, 2-0, over Marlins

Left-hander picks up his first win in a Mets uniform

By Michael Avallone | May 21 | 10:13PM

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Cadillac Post Game Extra: 5/2100:01:42

Gary Cohen, Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez discuss the strong pitching of Jason Vargas and AJ Ramos in the Mets' 2-0 win over the Marlins.

Jason Vargas turned in his best outing of the season, tossing five two-hit innings as the Mets extended their winning streak to four games with a 2-0 win over the Marlins on Monday night at Citi Field.

Things you should know about tonight's game...

1) Vargas (1-3) came into the game having allowed 34 baserunners in 12 1/3 innings over his first three starts. The 35-year-old retired the first nine batters and allowed two hits, walked one and struck out seven to lower his ERA from 13.86 to 9.87. He was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the fifth after tossing 86 pitches -- 51 for strikes.